A dental hygienist works to provide oral care and hygiene to patients in a dental office. When compared to a dentist or orthodontist, a dental hygienist primarily works to treat minor oral health conditions. In the office, they also perform the cleaning procedure and apply treatments to the teeth. This can include fluoride treatment, sealing cracks in the teeth, and giving advice to patients.
Primary Responsibilities
There are several tasks that a hygienist performs. These include cleaning the teeth and applying treatments, examining the teeth and gums to check for irregularities or decay, adding to patient charts, providing education and information, and maintaining the tools and equipment used.
A dental hygienist primarily works with preventative treatments and education, teaching patients how to keep plaque from building up on their teeth. They also professionally clean them with scaling and polishing techniques and often take x-rays for the dentist.
Daily Tasks
The daily tasks of a dental hygienist depend on the day, but primarily they are as follows:
Assist the dentist with tasks
Apply fluoride and other treatments
Clean the gums, teeth and mouth
Examine the mouth for any signs of disease or decay
Update patient records
Ensure tools and workspaces are clean and maintained
Skills and Qualifications
There are several skills that are essential for those looking to become a dental hygienist. These include:
Interpersonal communication skills
Empathy
Organizational and time management skills
Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Hand-eye coordination, dexterity and motor skills
Reliable and responsible
Professional with a strong work ethic
At Family Dental Care Clinic, our dental team includes skilled dental hygienists who provide you with the highest quality of care. Whether your visit is for a routine cleaning or you are coming in for a procedure, our dental team in Ottawa will ensure you are well taken care of and answer any questions you may have.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online contact form or call us at 613-736-5000.
tooth, delta dental, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, medicare advantage, patient, dental degree, emergency, hygiene, teeth cleaning, zip code, tooth decay, pediatric dentistry, general, risk, dental hygienist, endodontics, medicaid, dental insurance, pain, sedation, academy of general dentistry, gums, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, find a dentist, general dentist, cosmetic dental, dental, dental plan, hygienist, pediatric dentist, dental care, dentist find, dental experience, general dentistry, benefit plan, healthy smiles, dental implants, search results, pediatric dental, deltacare usa, dental school, clinic, jaw, mouth, therapy, disease, physician, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, dental public health, radiology, medicare, crown, doctor of medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, surgeon, pathology, dentures, dental assistant, surgery, oral hygiene, health insurance, exam, root canal, anesthesiology, disability, prosthesis, oral and maxillofacial radiology, residency, anesthesia, oral medicine, fluoride, health care, dental specialty, dental laboratory, forensic dentistry, bruxism, diagnosis, health professional, dental admission test, license, national board dental examination, public health, toothache, general dentists, medical, dental specialties, oral and maxillofacial, orofacial pain, dental practice, dental specialists, pediatric dentists, smile clinic, clinicas dentales baratas, dentalcare, sonrisas dental, dentista hispano, dental family, dentistas hispanos, smile dent, amatista dental, dentista familiar, pulp, oral cancer, infection, water fluoridation, neck, drill, ottawa, ontario, dental emergency, request appointment, ottawa dental clinic, dentist in ottawa, contact us today, dentist ottawa, compassion, temporomandibular joint, periodontal disease, gingival recession, bad breath, dental fear, snoring, dental centre, dental patient, book your appointment, trillium dental, family dentists, make an appointment, dental services, family dental care, family dental, quality dental care, emergency dental care, ottawa dentist, emergency dental, ottawa dental, invisalign smile assessment
Are dentist offices considered essential?
Dentist offices are considered essential services in Canada. They provide necessary oral healthcare and emergency dental treatments that are critical for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Can dentist prescribe medicine?
Dentists in Canada are authorized to prescribe certain medications related to dental treatment, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medications necessary to manage dental conditions.
Are all orthodontists dentists?
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists are specialists who have completed additional training in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
Are dentist in demand?
Dentists are in high demand in Canada, as the population continues to grow and the need for comprehensive dental care increases. Dentists provide essential services to maintain oral health and address dental issues, making them a crucial part of the healthcare system.
Can I go to a dentist not near me?
You can choose to visit a dentist not located near you, as dental care may be more convenient or accessible elsewhere. However, it's recommended to consider factors like transportation, insurance coverage, and the quality of the dental practice when selecting a provider.
Are dentist cleanings necessary?
Regular dentist cleanings are necessary for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues.
Can dentist prescribe meds?
Dentists can prescribe certain medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, as part of dental treatment. The scope of medications a dentist can prescribe is typically limited to those directly related to oral health and dental procedures.
Are dentist called doctors?
Dentists are considered doctors in the field of oral healthcare. They have undergone extensive education and training to diagnose and treat various dental conditions, just like medical doctors.
Are biological dentists covered by insurance?
Whether biological dentists are covered by insurance depends on the specific insurance plan. Some plans may cover services from biological dentists, while others may not. It's best to check with your insurance provider to determine the coverage for biological dental treatments.
Are all dentists DDS?
Not all dentists are DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Some dentists may hold different dental degrees, such as DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), depending on the dental school they attended.
Are dentist offices open on Martin Luther King Day?
Dentist offices may have reduced hours or be closed on Martin Luther King Day, as it is a federal holiday in the United States. The operating hours vary by practice, so it's best to check with your local dentist office for their specific holiday schedule.
Are all dentists doctors?
Dentists are healthcare professionals who have completed specialized dental education and training, but they are not medical doctors. Dentists focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health issues.
Can dentist prescribe?
Dentists in Canada can prescribe certain medications for their patients, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and medications to treat dental conditions. The scope of prescriptive authority for dentists may vary by province or territory.
Are there any 24-hour dentists near me?
The closest 24-hour dental clinic near you is Ottawa Dental Care, located just 10 minutes from your location. They offer emergency dental services and are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address any urgent dental needs you may have.
Are dentist offices open on weekends?
Dentist offices are often open on weekends to accommodate patients with busy schedules. Many clinics offer Saturday appointments, and some may even have Sunday hours for emergency dental services.
Can dentist get you in the same day?
The dentist may be able to see you the same day for urgent or emergency dental issues, depending on the clinic's availability and the nature of the problem.
Are dentist offices open?
Dentist offices are typically open, providing essential dental services while following safety protocols to protect patients and staff during the pandemic.
Can I just go to any dentist?
You can go to any dentist, but it's best to choose one who specializes in family dental care and has a focus on preventive dentistry and patient education to ensure a comfortable and effective dental experience.
Are dentist offices open in California?
Dentist offices in California are generally open, as dental services are considered essential healthcare. Patients can visit dentists for routine check-ups, emergency treatment, and other dental needs while following COVID-19 safety protocols.
Are dentist in high demand?
Dentists are in high demand in Canada, as the population continues to grow and the need for dental care increases.
Can you just walk into a dentist?
While some dentists may accept walk-in patients, it is generally recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure availability and provide the best care.
Are all dentists board certified?
Not all dentists are board certified. Board certification signifies specialized training and expertise, but it is not a mandatory requirement for dental practice in Canada.
Are dentist consultations free?
Dentist consultations at Family Dental Care are not typically free, as the clinic provides professional dental services that require payment. However, many insurance plans may cover the cost of initial consultations.
Can dentist cause nerve damage?
Nerve damage is a potential risk during certain dental procedures. Dentists are trained to minimize this risk by using caution and following proper techniques. However, some procedures, such as tooth extractions or root canals, do carry a higher risk of nerve damage.
Can dentist charge for missed appointments?
Dentists can charge for missed appointments. Dental practices often have policies in place that allow them to bill patients for missed or cancelled appointments without adequate notice.
Are dentist offices open today?
Dentist offices are typically open during regular business hours, but hours may vary by individual clinic. It's best to contact your local dentist to confirm their current operating schedule.
Are dentist medical doctors?
Dentists are not medical doctors. Dentists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral and dental conditions, but they do not have the same level of medical training as physicians.
Can dentist refuse to treat me?
Dentists may refuse to treat patients under certain circumstances, such as if the patient's medical condition poses a risk, the patient exhibits disruptive behavior, or the patient refuses to follow recommended treatment plans.
Are dentist bills tax deductible?
Dental expenses, including bills from dentists, are generally tax-deductible in Canada if they exceed 3% of your net income and are not covered by private insurance or other plans.
Are dental assistants covered under employee dentist malpractice insurance?
Dental assistants are typically covered under the employee dentist's malpractice insurance policy, which provides protection for the dentist and their staff against potential liability claims related to dental procedures.
dentist near me, dentist ottawa, emergency dentist, dental clinic near me, best dentist near me
